Role of Constitution in Unity and Strength of India

India, a civilization with millennia of history, is a nation marked by extraordinary cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious diversity. Home to over 1.4 billion people speaking more than 22 officially recognized languages and practicing multiple faiths, India stands as the world’s largest democracy. Amidst this vast heterogeneity, the Indian Constitution has played a pivotal role in ensuring national unity and institutional strength.¹

The Constitution of India, which came into force on 26 January 1950, represents not only a legal document but a moral and philosophical guide to governance. It enshrines a vision of “Unity in Diversity,” offering a framework through which diverse communities can coexist peacefully under a common national identity. The Preamble encapsulates this ethos through its solemn commitment to Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity — values that serve as both aspirational goals and practical foundations of the Indian republic.²

Unlike many other constitutions, the Indian Constitution goes beyond the traditional functions of defining the structure of government. It actively addresses the socio-political realities of a deeply pluralistic society by codifying Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV). These provisions are not merely symbolic but serve as enforceable guarantees and guiding principles aimed at achieving social transformation and cohesion.³

The role of the Constitution in preserving unity has been reinforced by the Supreme Court of India, which has interpreted and upheld constitutional values in several landmark cases. In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala,⁴ the Supreme Court held that the “basic structure” of the Constitution — including secularism, federalism, and the rule of law — cannot be altered even by constitutional amendments. This judgment fortified the foundational vision of unity without compromising the federal structure of the nation.

Furthermore, the Constitution recognizes and accommodates diversity through mechanisms such as asymmetric federalism, special provisions for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes (Articles 244, 330–342), minority rights (Articles 29 and 30), and language protections (Articles 343–351).⁵ These provisions promote inclusion while protecting the integrity of the nation-state.

In a country susceptible to regional, linguistic, and religious tensions, the Constitution acts as a binding contract among its people. It ensures that no group feels marginalized and that all citizens are treated as equal stakeholders in the Indian polity. Thus, the Indian Constitution is not only a tool of governance but also an enduring symbol of the unity and strength of a diverse and complex nation.⁶

Federalism with a Unitary Bias

The Constitution of India envisions a unique model of federalism, described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as a “Union of States,” which implies that while there is a distribution of powers, the structure leans towards central supremacy in times of crisis or national interest. This “quasi-federal” design ensures both decentralization for administrative efficiency and centralization for national integrity.

The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution divides subjects into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, allowing both levels of government to legislate. However, in case of conflict, Article 254 grants primacy to Union laws over those made by states in the Concurrent List.

In State of West Bengal v. Union of India, the Supreme Court underscored that Indian federalism is not rigid but has centralizing tendencies intended to preserve sovereignty and unity of the nation.¹

Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles

Part III of the Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights, which are enforceable against the State and are uniform throughout India. These rights ensure that every citizen, regardless of region, enjoys the same basic liberties, thereby fostering a sense of national unity.

Complementing these rights, Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), guiding the State in enacting laws aimed at securing social and economic justice. Together, they embody the vision of a unified society with equality at its core.

In the landmark case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, the Supreme Court held that the basic structure of the Constitution — which includes the unity and integrity of the nation — cannot be amended even by Parliament.²

Single Citizenship and Uniform Civil Rights

Unlike the dual citizenship system in some federal countries like the United States, India provides for single citizenship under Article 5, ensuring that all Indians are citizens of India regardless of the state in which they reside. This fosters a common national identity.

Articles 19(1)(d) and 19(1)(e) of the Constitution guarantee the right to move freely throughout the territory of India and to reside and settle in any part of the country, reinforcing national integration and mobility.

Emergency Provisions

The Constitution of India provides for a strong central response in times of crisis through Articles 352 to 360, which deal with National, State, and Financial Emergencies. These provisions allow the Union to temporarily assume greater authority, overriding normal federal arrangements to preserve the integrity of the nation.¹

During a National Emergency under Article 352, the federal structure transforms into a unitary one, ensuring swift and uniform decision-making across states.² Similarly, Article 356 enables the imposition of President’s Rule when a state government is unable to function in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The landmark judgment in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India established that President’s Rule cannot be imposed arbitrarily, and that judicial review is available to challenge such proclamations.³ This reinforced the balance between federalism and unity.

Language and Cultural Unity

India is a multilingual and multicultural society, and the Constitution embraces this diversity as a source of strength. The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution currently recognizes 22 languages, reflecting India’s pluralistic ethos.

Articles 29 and 30 protect the rights of linguistic and religious minorities, including the right to conserve their language, script, and culture, and to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

In T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that minority rights are a fundamental part of Indian democracy, and that protecting such rights contributes to unity through inclusion, not uniformity.²

Judicial Review and Constitutional Supremacy

The Supreme Court and High Courts act as custodians of the Constitution, with the power of judicial review to strike down laws and executive actions that violate constitutional principles.

This mechanism ensures that central and state authorities operate within the constitutional framework, promoting legal certainty, accountability, and national cohesion. The doctrine of constitutional supremacy implies that all actions must conform to the basic values enshrined in the Constitution, preventing fragmentation and arbitrary governance.

Role of the Preamble

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is not merely a preface but a profound declaration of the nation’s foundational ideals — Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. It reflects the spirit and purpose of the Constitution and acts as a guiding star for interpreting its provisions.

The Preamble has played a significant role in constitutional interpretation, especially in landmark decisions such as Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, where it was held that the Preamble forms part of the Constitution and embodies its basic structure.¹

These principles not only provide a moral compass but also legally bind the institutions of the state to uphold unity in diversity.

Contemporary Judicial Views on the Constitution and National Cohesion

Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has underscored the pivotal role of the Indian Constitution in maintaining the nation’s unity and strength, especially in times of national crisis. In a recent address at the Allahabad High Court, he remarked:

“Whenever there has been a crisis in the country, it has remained united and strong. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution.”¹

CJI Gavai observed that debates during the Constitution’s drafting reflected concerns regarding its federal and unitary aspects. He referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who clarified that the Indian Constitution is neither purely federal nor entirely unitary, but was designed to maintain India’s strength in both times of peace and war.²

The Chief Justice further emphasized that, unlike some of India’s neighbouring countries, the Constitution has provided a stable framework that has ensured the country’s resilience and democratic continuity since independence.³

He also stressed the shared responsibility of the legislature, executive, and judiciary to uphold constitutional values and ensure that justice reaches every citizen — thereby reinforcing the vision of equality and inclusion envisioned in the Constitution.⁴

These reflections by CJI Gavai reaffirm that the Indian Constitution is not merely a legal instrument but a living force that continues to unify and strengthen the nation through its adaptable and inclusive structure.⁵

Conclusion
The Constitution of India transcends its role as a mere legal charter; it functions as a profound unifying force in a country marked by vast linguistic, religious, cultural, and geographic diversity. It serves not only as the supreme law of the land but also as the moral compass guiding the collective conscience of the Indian populace.

Through its carefully constructed federal structure with a unitary tilt, it provides a balance between regional autonomy and national integrity. By granting Fundamental Rights under Part III, it guarantees liberties to all citizens, while the Directive Principles of State Policy under Part IV lay the foundation for a welfare-oriented state. These provisions together foster social justice, economic equity, and political fairness — critical pillars for a united nation.

The Constitution’s recognition and protection of minority rights, as well as its inclusive approach to multiple languages and cultures, affirm the vision of unity in diversity. Emergency provisions further ensure that the Union can act decisively during times of national peril, while still maintaining democratic accountability through judicial review.

Its dynamic and living character, sustained through progressive judicial interpretations and amendments, ensures that the Constitution adapts to changing times without losing sight of its core values. Through landmark judgments such as Kesavananda Bharati, S.R. Bommai, and T.M.A. Pai Foundation, the judiciary has reaffirmed the inviolable principles that sustain India’s unity and constitutional supremacy.

In essence, the Indian Constitution is not merely a legal instrument but a foundational document embodying the spirit of India. It acts as a bulwark against fragmentation, a safeguard for civil liberties, and a framework that celebrates pluralism while nurturing national cohesion. It stands resilient — a symbol of India’s unity, strength, and enduring democratic ethos.

End Notes:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs, Annual Report 2022–23, Government of India, available at: https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAAnnualReport_Eng_22022023.pdf
2. Constitution of India, Preamble: “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic…”
3. M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 8th ed. (LexisNexis, 2018), p. 420.
4. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, (1973) 4 SCC 225: AIR 1973 SC 1461.
5. Constitution of India, Articles 244, 330–342 (Special provisions for SCs and STs), Articles 29–30 (Cultural and educational rights), Articles 343–351 (Language provisions).
6. Granville Austin, The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation, Oxford University Press, 1999, p. 20.
7. State of West Bengal v. Union of India, AIR 1963 SC 1241 – The Supreme Court held that the Indian Constitution is not a traditional federation, and central authority is supreme in matters of national interest.
8. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, AIR 1973 SC 1461 – The Court propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine, stating that national unity and integrity form part of the Constitution’s basic structure and cannot be abrogated.
9. Constitution of India, Articles 352–360: Emergency Provisions.
10. M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 8th ed., LexisNexis, 2018, pp. 908–920.
11. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 1918.
12. D.D. Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, LexisNexis, 24th Edition, 2019.
13. Constituent Assembly Debates, Vol. VII (1948), discussions on national unity and emergency powers.
14. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 1918 – The Supreme Court laid down strict limitations on the imposition of President’s Rule, making it subject to judicial review to prevent its misuse and to protect federal balance.
15. T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, (2002) 8 SCC 481 – The Court held that linguistic and religious minorities have a constitutional right to establish and manage educational institutions, upholding cultural pluralism as a pillar of unity.
16. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, AIR 1973 SC 1461 – The Supreme Court ruled that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and its core values form part of the unamendable “basic structure.”
17. LiveLaw, “Constitution Credited for Keeping India United During Crisis: CJI B.R. Gavai,” May 2024.
18. Constituent Assembly Debates, Vol. VII, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s speech on the nature of Indian federalism, November 4, 1948.
19. Granville Austin, The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation, Oxford University Press, 1966.
20. Supreme Court of India, “Judicial Responsibility and Constitutional Ethics,” Public Lecture, March 2024.
21. D.D. Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, 24th Edition, LexisNexis, 2019.